The Athene Pedestrian Bridge in West Des Moines, Iowa, connects Raccoon River Park and Walnut Woods State Park, blending art and function. Spanning 620 feet with 345 feet of elevated ramps and 1.2 miles of paved trails, it enhances access to nature and community engagement. The design features gathering spaces like the Raccoon River Plaza, adorned with a 15-foot galvanized steel tree and a windblown leaf-patterned sign, honoring over 300 donors with etched stainless-steel plaques. On the south end, an elevated ramp gracefully descends through trees to the trail system, framed by steel railings and cables. The bridge's centerpiece is a 16-foot-tall sculptural "tree canopy" of galvanized steel, evoking woodland imagery and inviting reflection with expansive river views. Built at $9.3 million, including $2.8 million in donations, the bridge celebrates art, nature and community, creating a space that unites people with each other and the landscape.

The Athene Pedestrian Bridge design, along with its signage and sculptural features, was the result of a thoughtful and collaborative design process between City of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation, City of West Des Moines Engineering and the team at Shive-Hattery, which included landscape architects, civil engineers, structural engineers and graphic designers.

The project's goal extended beyond simply connecting pedestrians to both sides of the river — it sought to do so in a way that honors and preserves the natural beauty of the existing surroundings. Lined with mature trees, vegetation and existing trails in each park, the design team developed an earth berm on the north end to create an accessible trail and stair connection that welcomes pedestrians into the bridge from the City's most popular community parks. On the south side near Walnut Woods State Park, known for its mature woodlands and natural trails, an elevated, winding ramp was carefully designed to minimize environmental impact on the trees while creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors.

The bridge structure went through multiple iterations before the final decision was made to use weathered steel trusses, a material that ties the aesthetics back to other pedestrian bridges within the City. The addition of galvanized steel was a key design choice, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits to the project. Galvanized steel, known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and long lifespan, was thoughtfully incorporated to counterbalance the heavier look of the weathered steel while maintaining the City's parks system identity and community branding. This lighter, more reflective metal creates a striking visual contrast that enhances the bridge's artistic and architectural elements.

The sculptural tree canopy at the center of the bridge was designed to be both a stunning artistic centerpiece and a testament to thoughtful engineering. Constructed from galvanized steel, the canopy was carefully designed in modular components to accommodate the size restrictions of the galvanizing equipment. By breaking the structure into manageable sections, each piece could be properly galvanized, ensuring long-term protection against corrosion while maintaining its seamless, sculptural appearance. The tree canopy stands out as a light and elegant focal point against the weathered steel trusses, symbolizing the connection between art, nature and the community.

The galvanized guardrails were designed to be as low-profile as possible, featuring a galvanized steel frame with stainless-steel cable infill. This design choice allows the handrails to “disappear” within the bridge frame, minimizing visual clutter and enabling users to focus on the surrounding views of the Raccoon River and the natural landscape.

The bridge's signage integrates both materials beautifully. Galvanized steel, with its structural strength and intricate tree-pattern design, is paired with weathered steel panels featuring a windblown leaf pattern. The main bridge name was crafted with polished stainless-steel letters, while donor recognition was achieved through etched stainless-steel plaques. These elements provide a subtle sheen that draws the eye, celebrating the project's contributors while maintaining a clean and elegant aesthetic.

By integrating galvanized steel throughout the bridge’s artistic and functional components, the design team achieved a thoughtful balance of durability, aesthetics and environmental sensitivity. The modular approach to the tree canopy’s construction demonstrates a smart solution to practical challenges while allowing for a visually stunning and long-lasting feature. The result is a striking, resilient landmark that enhances the pedestrian experience and invites visitors to connect with both the natural surroundings and the community legacy.